Twitter. Japan's Kumano Kodo pilgrimage hike in Wakayama. 7 of the world's girliest hotel getaways. The quintessential girls’ getaway ain’t what it used to be -- and that’s a good thing.
Thanks to the recent rise of ladies-only gyms, taxis and subway cars, hoteliers across the globe have finally heeded the demand for exclusively female experiences (hence the trend of women-only hotel floors). Today’s offerings ranging from cowgirl romps to teatime fashion shows, the hotel industry finally acknowledging that women desire holidays that provide not only safety, but also glamour and excitement. Songkran Festival 2013: World's biggest water fight. Armed with water guns, travelers have been streaming into Thailand over the weekend for Songkran, the country's most popular festival, which runs this year from April 12 to 15.
On Saturday, Thailand joined other Southeast Asian countries in kicking off the region's New Year festival and official start of summer the way Thais do every year -- with chaotic water fights and nonstop partying. Splashing water is traditionally used during Songkran to pay respect and wish people good luck, but it's evolved into a wild, nationwide water fight. Click here for our travel guide to Songkran, complete with tips on how to avoid wet powder and why you should bring a plastic bag, as well as detailed rules of engagement. How to be a New Yorker: 11 tips for faking it. 7 of the most beautiful libraries in the world. How cool can libraries be in an era of iPads and Kindles? More than you think, if you know where to go. 1. Central Library: Seattle, Washington, United States Which floor to choose?
The Central Library in Seattle is sleek, modern and sophisticated and has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours. In its first year, more than 2 million tourists visited the library, which was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and American designer Joshua Ramus. The library was voted onto the American Institute of Architects 150 favorite structures in the United States. Whatever the verdict, the building is an impressive work of art: shiny, abstract and unusual. The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events throughout the year, while visitors can stop by the Chocolati cart for a coffee and browse through the gift shop anytime. The library offers free self-guided cell phone tours, along with group tours. World's best beach is ... The world’s best beach has been named and, though you may not have heard of it, hundreds have given Rabbit Beach on a remote island in the Mediterranean Sea top marks during TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2013 awards.
“Caribbean colors, white beach, unique setting. The crystal clear sea makes it difficult to leave,” the travel site said of the beach, which is located on the island of Lampedusa. The island is officially part of Sicily, despite being located more than 100 miles from it. Go Best Eats Tokyo: Tokyo's best cheap eat. 20 delicious Korean drinks. Traditional Korean beverages roughly fall into two categories: alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
While this may be indicative of Korea’s long-standing love affair with alcohol, there are close to 200 types of traditional teas, juices, and grain drinks associated with the latter group, known as eumcheongnyu (음청류). 8 things travelers should watch out for in Bangkok. 13 things you've got to do in Seoul. How to be a Hong Kong local: 10 tips on faking it. Stop sticking out like a teetotaler in Wanchai and try out these little tricks for blending in with the locals in Hong Kong.
Have a tip for pretending to be a Hong Kong local? Share it in the comments box below. Also on CNNGo: The dirty-fun guide to Hong Kong's Wanchai bars. 12 rules for expat life in Korea. You’ve moved to Seoul and on your first day at work you end up in a karaoke joint till 3 a.m. surrounded by girls pointing V signs into their faces while they pose for photos singing ‘classics’ from the Backstreet Boys.
That’s just a regular day at the office. Avoid the culture shock with our quick guide to acclimatizing in Seoul. 1. Learn to drink like a fish. World's most romantic islands. Bora-Bora was voted the world's most romantic island by Travel + Leisure readers.
Look no further for proof of "la dolce vida" than this tiny island. Santorini has more than beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the archeological sites and enjoy its lovely wines. This Hawaiian island will inspire you with its dramatic waterfalls, canyons and rainforest. To boldly go on a nerdy pilgrimage. The Warner Bros.
Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter offers fans a chance to explore the magic that has gone into making the films. The secret confessions of hotel employees. What happens when someone asks hotel staff to share “things that are disturbing/interesting/unsanitary about hotel rooms” on user-generated news site Reddit?
The world's 10 best shopping cities. Where the most credit card transactions per person takes place -- read: serious shopping addictions.
While foreign luxury goods tend to get a hefty mark up, local boutiques tend to be cheap and very chic. 7 of the freakiest places on the planet. Scary sells. Whatever the nature of their flesh, the spirits of the dead rake in very real profits when it comes to sightseeing. The Haunted House Association in the United States claims profits of up to US$500 million from domestic haunted house ticket sales. 27 sights that will remind you how incredible Earth is.
China travel: 20 tips you can't find in any guidebooks. As travel in China gets easier, more visitors are searching for experiences outside the ordinary. 9 places to go native. Mauritius: The best Africa destination you know almost nothing about. Mauritius is a model of true democracy for every African country.